PAST WINNERS at Talladega

RACE BONUS INFO

The NASCAR Winston Cup Leader Bonus is $30,000 at Talladega for leading the points and winning the race (Jeff Gordon last won the award, $60,000 at Kansas on Sept 30, 2001). The $360,000 annual award is paid at $10,000 per race to the point leader at the end of each event if he is also the winner. The award increases by $10,000 each week the it goes unclaimed. If the point leader is not the race winner at the end of the year, the balance of the award is distributed among the top-10 finisher in the point
standings(10-15-2001)

IN-CAR AUDIO SITES

Fans Can Online(NASCAR Online)
looks like this is all that there is out there now....

PREVIEW, FACT SHEETS and MISC News

Talladega Facts: Sterling Marlin and Dave Marcis (three each) along with Mark Martin, Joe Nemechek, Jeremy Mayfield and Ken Schrader (two each) are the only other active drivers with multiple Bud Poles at Talladega [don't forget Bill Elliott who has 8 poles at Talladega]. Bill Elliott, Sterling Marlin, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon (two each) lead all active drivers in Talladega victories. Thirty-four of the 64 NASCAR Winston Cup Series races at Talladega have been won from the first three starting positions. The furthest back a winner has started in the 63-race history at Talladega occurred when Jeff Gordon won the 2000 DieHard 500 from a 36th-place starting position. Bobby Labonte.s victory in the 1998 DieHard 500 (spring race) was the first victory at Talladega for a Pontiac driver since Richard Petty won the 1983 Winston 500, 30 Talladega races earlier.(NASCAR PR)(10-17-2001)

Did ya Know? Only two drivers have finished in the top 10 in all three restrictor-plate races run so far this season (Daytona - twice and Talladega): Dale Earnhardt Jr. (second at the Daytona 500, eighth at Talladega, first at Daytona in July) and Mike Wallace (sixth at Daytona 500, ninth at Talladega, 10th at Daytona in July). Sunday's EA Sports 500 is the final restrictor-plate race of 2001.()(10-17-2001)

Aero Changes for Talladega? UPDATEs: FSN's Totally NASCAR reports that Ford's spoiler size will be decreased and that the change would help the Pontiacs (??)(9-27-2001)UPDATE: NASCAR officials do not plan to make a change to the aerodynamic package used at Talladega Superspeedway prior to the Oct. 21 race, but they are giving a break to the Ford teams. The Fords are getting an allowance on the rear spoiler, cutting three-quarters of an inch from each side. This change is designed to help the manufacturer remain competitive with other makes. "[There's] a possibility of one other small tweak to another make of the same thing," Nelson said. "We're waiting on one other piece of data to make that decision."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-8-2001)UPDATE 2: NASCAR will make aerodynamic alterations to the Ford Taurus and Pontiac Grand Prix for the upcoming Winston Cup race at Talladega. The Ford’s rear spoiler will be reduced from 57 inches to 55 ½ inches, while the Pontiac’s roof air deflector will be lowered 1/8 of a inch, from 1 3/8 inches to 1 ¼ inches.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(10-13-2001)UPDATE 3: NASCAR has informed Winston Cup teams of two slight rules changes for the package that will be in place at next week's EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ford teams will be allowed to trim the width of their rear spoilers from 57 inches to 55½ inches. The 1½-inch reduction is designed to reduce the drag on a Taurus as it races on the 2.66-mile track. Pontiac also will be allowed a slight reduction on the size of the roof blade of its Grand Prix. The blade will be trimmed one-eighth of an inch to 1¼ inches. Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge will continue to race with 1 3/8-inch blades.()(10-14-2001)

No Changes at Talladega? UPDATE 4 Ford Spoiler change?: NASCAR officials are telling some teams that there will be no rules changes for next month's Talladega 500, but Ford teams and Pontiac teams say they haven't been told a thing yet(Winston Salem Journal)(9-22-2001)UPDATE: The Winston Cup series will make no "significant" changes to its current aerodynamic package for the season's final restrictor-plate race, the Oct. 21 race at Talladega. NASCAR sources said Sunday if any changes are made at all, they wouild be minor spoiler or air-dam alterations to the Ford Taurus to make the car more in line in performance with the Pontiacs, Chevrolets and Dodges.()(9-24-2001)UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials announced that they will be giving Pontiacs a slight aerodynamics break for the Talladega 500 and that they will be "tweaking" the Fords, probably pruning the rear spoiler on both makes. GM's Doug Duchardt says that it's time for NASCAR to take all the makes back to the wind tunnel to get some new baseline numbers before ordering any changes. NASCAR hasn't done a wind tunnel test since March.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-26-2001)UPDATE 3: FSN's Totally NASCAR reports that Ford's spoiler size will be decreased and that the change would help the Pontiacs (??)(9-27-2001)UPDATE 4: NASCAR officials do not plan to make a change to the aerodynamic package used at Talladega Superspeedway prior to the Oct. 21 race, but they are giving a break to the Ford teams. The Fords are getting an allowance on the rear spoiler, cutting three-quarters of an inch from each side. This change is designed to help the manufacturer remain competitive with other makes. "[There's] a possibility of one other small tweak to another make of the same thing," Nelson said. "We're waiting on one other piece of data to make that decision."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-8-2001)

The 'Gate' being used in Victory Lane UPDATE: many readers noticed the while 'gate or fence' Winston Cup Officials held above Jeff Gordon so he couldn't get on the roof of the car in the winners circle/victory lane. On CNN/SI's NASCAR Plus, Benny Parsons was asked about the 'gate' and said he wasn't sure why, but that it was probably to keep the driver off the top of the car so a proper insepction could be done. Last year at California, the #12 Team was penalized for having a car that was too low and it was caused by Mayfield jumping on the roof of the car, denting the spot that the inspectors measure. Otherwise have seen nothing official on the reason for the gate(10-2-2001)UPDATE: sources have confirmed that NASCAR doesnt want the drivers on the roof tops after the race for saftey and technical reasons(10-3/8-2001)

No Bull 5 pairings and 2002 plans UPDATE: R.J. Reynolds officials have a news conference scheduled for Tuesday in Charlotte to pair drivers and fans for the next No Bull 5 race at Talladega on Oct. 21 and to announce plans for the No Bull 5 program and The Winston in 2002. The Winston all-star race will return to Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 18, and the same five races will be in the No Bull 5 program next year - Las Vegas in March, Charlotte in May, Daytona in July, Richmond in September and Talladega in October.()(10-7-2001)UPDATE: Rusty Wallace's pit crew turned in the fastest time for a four-tire change on The Square in Uptown Charlotte at midday Tuesday, topping the crews for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale Jarrett, Ricky Rudd and Kevin Harvick. Those results were used to pair the eligible drivers with fans for the No Bull 5 program for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega on Oct. 21. Fans from California, Maryland, Ohio, Texas and Missouri are eligible to win $1 million if their driver wins that race. The winning driver would also get $1 million. R.J. Reynolds officials also confirmed that next year's No Bull 5 races will be March 3 at Las Vegas, May 26 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, July 6 at Daytona, Sept. 7 at Richmond and Oct. 6 at Talladega - the same lineup as this year.(), no names of the 5 fans...yet(10-10-2001)

QUALIFYING, PRACTICE and RESULTSnews and links

Earnhardt Jr wins at Talladega in a wild ending and the big wreck on the very last accident. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr wins his 2nd restrictor plate race and 3rd overall race of the 2001 season and the $1 million No Bull Bonus for his team and for a fan Carrie Richter of Conneaut, OH. #20-Tony Stewart was 2nd with #99-Jeff Burton in 3rd. #7-Lepage and #1-Wallace got their first top 10's of 2001. The #7 Ford team finished in the top 10 of all four restrictor plates races (Daytona and Talladega), three with Mike Wallace and one with Lepage. #4-Bobby amilton Jr had his best career finish, a 14th. Sixteen cars/drivers were involved in 'the wreck' when #55-Hamilton and #18-Labonte got together, with Labonte ending up on his roof, Labonte is ok and have heard no reports of any drivers being injured. #24-Jeff Gordon increased his points lead to 395 points over #28-Ricky Rudd with #20-Tony Stewart now in 3rd.
See for EA Sports 500 race results and for the Unofficial Points Standings and the race story: Earnhardt Jr. wins, but inspectors find a problem(10-21-2001)

To the Wind Tunnel: Stacy Compton's #92 Dodge, Tony Stewart's #20 Pontiac, Jeff Burton's #99 Ford and Bobby Hamilton's #55 Chevrolet were tested on the NASCAR chassis dyno [at the race track] and will be taken to a wind tunnel [Lockheed - Marietta, GA] for testing.()(10-22-2001)

Happy Hour Accident UPDATE and Backups: In Happy Hour practice at Talladega, #51-Jeff Purvis and #22-Ward Burton got together with seven other cars/drivers getting involved and showing damage, the drivers: #44-Buckshot Jones, #43-John Andretti, #29-Kevin Harvick, #97-Kurt Busch, #2-Rusty Wallace, #36-Ken Schrader and #5-Terry Labonte. No idea if any will have to use backup cars for Sunday's EA Sports 500(Insider Racing News)UPDATE: per CBS Sportsline - Jeff Purvis bumped Ward Burton near the front of a huge pack of cars, igniting an eight-car crash Saturday in the final practice session for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega. There were no injuries reported in the 190-mph crash, but the several of the cars appeared damaged badly enough that drivers could be forced to switch to backups for Sunday. They would then have to start at the rear of a 43-car field. Also involved were John Andretti, Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, Kevin Harvick, Ken Schrader and Buckshot Jones. Several other drivers barely escaped contact.(CBS Sportsline/AP)BACKUP's: looks like five drivers will go to backups: #43-Andrett (was to start 7th), #2-Wallace (was to start 32nd and a No Bull Participant), #36-Schrader (was to start 28th), #51-Purvis (was to start 13th), #5-Labonte (was to start 20th) are confirmed as to use a backup car and will have to fall to the back of the field before the green flag. No backup for either #29-Harvick or #97-Busch. The #22-Burton and #44-Jones cars are ok, Jones needs some damage repaired on the right side (Kyle Petty was under the car bagging out the dents). #99-Burton also needs some cosmetic work done on the drivers side. All drivers are reported as being OK. #2-Wallace, #5-Labonte and #51-Purvis were able to get a few laps in their backups.(10-20-2001)a FINAL take: Ward Burton and Jeff Purvis got together in Turn 2 and started a crash that damaged up to 12 cars before it was done. Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, Ken Schrader, John Andretti and Purvis will all have to go to backup cars for today's race. Others involved in, or at least in the vicinity of, the crash included Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Elliott Sadler, Kurt Busch, Buckshot Jones and Matt Kenseth.()How they line up? how do the five dirvers line up at the back of the field? by order of where they qualified, so:
#43-Andrett (was to start 7th) will now start 39th
#51-Purvis (was 13th) now 40th
#5-Labonte (was 20th) now 41st
#36-Schrader (was 28th) now 42nd
#2-Wallace (was 32nd) now 43rd(10-21-2001)

Happy Hour Practice is over. The fastest was #5-Terry Labonte with a speed of 194.255. The slowest was #29-Kevin Harvick at 188.248. The top five:
1) #5-Labonte 194.255mph (before the wreck)
2) #31-Gordon 192.796
3) #88-Jarrett 192.370
4) #55-Hamilton 191.781
5) $51-Purvis 191.689 (before the wreck)
See for Saturday's final practice speeds(10-20-2001)

Saturday AM Practice: 55-Bobby Hamilton was the fastest at 195.600mph, 2nd fastest was #5-Terry Labonte with a speed of 194.852. Slowest were #18-Bobby Labonte at 190.083 and #26-Jimmy Spencer at 190.000. (pole speed was 185.240 by Stacy Compton). See for Speeds from Saturday's first practice(10-20-2001)

Inspection Troubles: Several teams had trouble with Winston Cup inspectors Friday morning. The rear deck lids of two cars, the #90 Ford of Hut Stricklin and the #28 Ford of Ricky Rudd, were confiscated. A "front suspension travel limiter" was taken off the #55 Chevrolet of Bobby Hamilton and an unapproved fuel cell container and "underpans" removed from the #12 Ford of Mike Wallace. Several teams had to make adjustments to their cars before they were cleared. The #8 Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the #26 Ford of Jimmy Spencer, the #10 Pontiac of Johnny Benson and the #91 of Rick Mast required extensive work.()(10-20-2010)

Compton wins the pole again at Talladega: #92-Stacy Compton won the Bud pole for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega, his 2nd career pole and 2nd of the year at Talladega. #55-Bobby Hamilton is on the outside pole with a speed of 184.438mph. #21-Sadler's Ford caught fire after his run and Sadler pulled off into a runoff area and fireman put out the fire, the hood was damaged but some paint and decals will clean it up. Some special schemes include: #18 and #20 Coca Cola Bears, #93-BP, #92-Levi Garrett and #10-Zerex. See for EA Sports 500 Results/Lineup and a column: Compton's Dodge has another Talladega pole(10-19-2001)

Missing the race at Talladega were #71-Dave Marcis(48th in owners points) and #91-Rick Mast(no owners points). See my DNQ page for the season list of DNQ's(did not qualify)(10-19-2001)

Provisionals at Talladega: first of NOTE: all teams attempting Talladega, were allotted another provisional (not next week as was told by NASCAR). So the six drivers listed as being out of provisionals had them available at Talladega and two had to use them and are now out of provisinals for the rest of the 2002 season (except New Hampshire where the field is locked). Provisionals used at Talladega: #20-Stewart(5th in owners points); #12-Wallace(23rd); #31-Gordon(32nd); #7-Lepage(33rd); #01-Leffler(37th); #14-Hornaday(39th); and #90-Stricklin(40th). #7-Lepage and #14-Hornaday are now out of provisionals the rest of the season. For more info, see my Provisional Page(10-19-2001)

Friday Practice at Talladega: #40-Sterling Marlin was the fastest at 185.101, 2nd fastest was #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. at 184.466. Slowest were #7-Kevin Lepage at 180.298 and #14-Ron Hornaday (in a Chevy) at 180.254. See for Speeds from Friday's practice(10-19-2001)

Qualifying Order is up. See above for link(s). 45 cars will make attempts for 43 spots, two will go home. First scheduled out is #90-Hut Stricklin, last scheduled out is #01-Jason Leffler. Six teams are OUT of provisonals: #4-Bobby Hamilton Jr, #7-Kevin Lepage, #14-Ron Hornaday, #44-Buckhot Jones, #92-Stacey Compton; and #97-Kurt Busch. What happens if three of these drivers are not fast enough to make the field and one spot is still open? If one or a few of the teams without provisionals fail to get in on speed, then the part time teams(don't attempt all races and are deep in the OWNERS points) get a shot at the provisionals, lining up by Owners Points. If spots are still available, then the teams without provisionals get placed in the field by fastest qualifying speed until all 43 spots are filled(10-19-2001)UPDATE: been informed that all teams attempting Talladega, will be allotted another provisional (not next week as I was told by NASCAR). So the six drivers listed above WILL have a provisonal available to them for Talladega(10-19-2001)

Entry List is up for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega. 45 drivers/teams are listed. Some notes: Kevin Lepage is listed in the #7 Ford, #71-Dave Marcis and #51-Jeff Purvis are listed, Rick Mast is listed in the #91 Donlavey Ford. See above fir link(10-16-2001)

Back to 2 laps UPDATE: it was announced at the beginning of CNN/SI's qualifying coverage that qualifying would go back to 2 laps of qualifying at all Super Speedways (1 mile or more) starting this week at Michigan. So I guess that means 2 laps is back for all the tracks since 2 laps were going to be the cast at the two short tracks and restrictor plate tracks. All but the road courses which there will be no more in 2001(8-17-2001)UPDATE: NASCAR officials have changed their minds again and gone back to two laps during its single round of qualifying. NASCAR announced at Daytona in early July that qualifying would be reduced to a single lap at tracks of 1-mile or longer except for Daytona and Talladega, beginning at New Hampshire on July 22. Teams ran two laps at New Hampshire, however, because of a new sealer that had been applied to the track's surface. The cars then ran one lap for three races, but after complaints from the teams that a single lap prevented them from overcoming a mistake, the policy has been changed again and cars can now once more run a second lap if they choose()(8-18-2001)

Qualifying Rules Changed UPDATE: ESPN2's RPM 2Night mentioned tonight that starting at New Hampshire that qualifying would consist of one lap of qualifying instead of the two laps that have been run this year. The exceptions are tracks smaller then one mile (Bristol, Richmond and Martinsville) and the two restrictor plate tracks, Daytona and Talladega(7-5-2001)UPDATE: it was mentioned on FSN's Totally NASCAR show on Thurs that the Cup drivers would run 2 laps of Qualifying for the New England 300 at New Hampshire. The plan is to still have one lap of qualifying at all intermediate tracks (1 to 2 miles in length) but the format will be determined in a track-to-track basis for the rest of the season(7-19-2001)

an interesting point: When NASCAR officials decided to disallow Jerry Nadeau's qualifying time at Daytona in Feb 2001, it raised an interesting question. With the Winston Cup series having only one round of qualifying the rest of the season, what happens if an unapproved part is found? According to NASCAR, drivers no longer have to post an official qualifying time to use a provisional, they only have to practice. So a driver could have a penalty on a qualifying issue but still have access to one of the seven provisionals for the race(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-11-2001)

How to break a tie during qualifying?(same speed/time) When drivers are tied for a starting spot during qualifying, it is broken by owners points standings(not drivers). For provisionals standings see the Jayski's Provisional Status page

TRACK/RACE NEWS

Talladega - What is allowed and was in not: With new safety policies in place for the EA SPORTS™ 500 weekend, Talladega Superspeedway has received several inquiries into what is allowable to bring through the admission gates – and what is not. Simply put, any items that have been allowed inside the gates in the past will be allowed, with the exception of coolers, backpacks and large bags. Talladega Superspeedway – along with its parent company, International Speedway Corporation – implemented these safety policies after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Instead of coolers and backpacks, fans will be allowed to bring in one bag that is no larger than 6-inches X 6-inches X 12-inches. A bag is defined as “a container of flexible material, such as paper, plastic or leather that is used for carrying or storing items.” Any items that have been allowed in the past – whether it be food, beverage, binoculars, a camera or a scanner – will be permissible to pass through admission gates at Talladega Superspeedway. Fans can attach their scanners to a belt or hold onto it and put headphones, cameras and binoculars around their neck. Talladega Superspeedway is working to minimize any inconvenience that its new safety policy may cause its fans. For example, ISC’s concession company has reviewed its menu and has reduced prices on beer, beverages, candy and other snacks – some by as much as 50 percent. Talladega Superspeedway has also added 25 percent more concession points and increased the number of employees working at those and all concession points to reduce any long wait in line. The number of drink vendors walking the grandstands during the event have also been increased. Fans who visit the souvenir village will also be allowed to bring those bags inside the gates with their
purchased merchandise. “We’re recommending that our fans return purchased merchandise to their vehicles before entering our gates, but we understand with the size of our facility that might not be easy to do,” said Lynch. “Considering the location of the souvenir village in
rela tion to parking areas, we will allow those souvenir bags though the gates provided there is only merchandise inside. And all bags are
subject to search.” All items brought through the gate area are subject to inspection. Those fans who wish to arrive early at Talladega Superspeedway will be allowed to enter the grandstands a half hour earlier than usual. All grandstand gates will now open at 7:30am on Sunday, Oct. 21. Parking lots will open at 5:00am on Sunday, Oct. 21. Grandstand gates will open at 8:00am on Thursday, Oct. 18. Grandstand gates will open at 7:30am the rest of the race weekend. ALSO - Because the infield at Talladega Superspeedway offers fans the opportunity to stay overnight, they are allowing coolers to be brought in for those entering the infield. They are asking those fans to understand that all vehicles and all items on board are subject to search once on track property.(Talladega Superspeedway PR/Site)(10-11-2001)

NASCAR, NHRA and the Army: The United States Army Top Fuel drag racing program is going NASCAR, it was announced today. With its 6,000-horsepower Top Fuel (show car) dragster, an interactive display and a group of recruiters in tow, the United States Army will be a visible element at NASCAR Winston Cup Series tracks the rest of the season. Beginning with last weekend’s race at Kansas Speedway through the race at Atlanta in November, the Army will set up a 50x75 interactive area and four additional 10x10 areas at all of the race venues, primarily, for recruiting purposes. Additionally, the U.S. Army Top Fuel (show car) dragster will be on display each weekend and is scheduled to be started at most of the tracks prior to the Winston Cup race. The U.S. Army has been the primary advertiser on Schumacher’s Top Fuel dragster since the 2000 U.S. Nationals last September(Kermish-Geylin PR)(10-3-2001)

Aircraft Ban at Stadiums UPDATE: Effective as of noon yesterday (9-20-01) the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has banned all aircraft from flying within 3 miles of major professional and college sporting events and any other large open air gathering. This protected "no-fly zone'' extends up to an altitude of 3,000 feet above such facilities, which by definition, include race tracks. FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown, said the regulation applies to all types of aircraft including small planes, blimps, balloons and gliders. "We issued this to cover everything,'' Brown said. ``It's a blanket order so that it would include a state fair, a high school football game.'' This ban could change how we view races on TV if the helicopter that relays in-car camera signals would be out of effective signal range above the 3000-foot ceiling or prevented from remaining in the air space at that height by conflicts with scheduled air traffic. It appears blimps will also be prevented from providing their normal overhead views as well. Radio traffic between NASCAR, teams, track officials, spotters and drivers is direct and will not be impacted.(Speedway Illustrated)(9-21-2001)

How to Calculate Track Speeds: use the formula Speed = Distance divided by Time. Distance is Track Length, and Lap Time into Hours. Once hour is 3600 seconds, so the calculation for a 48 second lap at Daytona(2.5 miles) would be: Speed = 2.5 x (3600/48), = 2.5 x 75 = 187.500mph. For a 19 second lap at Bristol(.533 miles): Speed = .533 x (3600/19), = .533 x 189.474 = a speed of 100.990mph

DRIVER/TEAM NEWS

Rudd Walks: The current driver of the #28 Ford will be honored this race weekend during festivities at the park named for the driver that got the ride rolling. Ricky Rudd won the fans' voting as the active driver to be inducted at the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame. He'll take the stage during ceremonies at Davey Allison Memorial Park in downtown Talladega at 8:00pm on Saturday. Two inactive drivers, Buck Baker and Joe Weatherly, also will enter the Walk of Fame. The ceremonies are free and open to the public(Alabama Live)(10-19-2001)

2nd Donlavey Car at Talladega? UPDATE 2: Junie Donlavey's team could have an increased presence at Talladega next week. The Richmond-based team is considering running a second Cup car (No. 91) with driver Rick Mast and a C.F. Sauer product logo.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-13-2001)UPDATE: [Rick] Mast said he'll be at Talladega next weekend, but he didn't say which team he'll be with. Any deal would be for that weekend only. In the past two weeks, Mast has served as a standby driver for Dale Jarrett and driven for Harvick.(Roanoke Times)(10-15-2001)UPDATE 2: Winston Cup team [#90] owner Junie Donlavey will field a second car for driver Rick Mast in the EA Sports 500 at
Talladega Superspeedway. Mast will drive the #91 C.F. Sauer/BAMA Ford, a Richmond-based company that sponsored the #27 Pontiac for several Winston Cup events this season. Donlavey received permission to use the #91 from Joe Falk, who owns the rights to use the number in Winston Cup events.(Keystone Marketing)(10-17-2001)

PAINT SCHEME NEWS

More Paint Schemes: hearing that #18-Bobby Labonte and #20-Tony Stewart will have Talladega Special paint schemes, something to do with the Coca-Cola polar bears(5-13-2001)UPDATE - Labonte/Stewart Announcement: #18-Bobby Labonte, #20-Tony Stewart and representatives from Joe Gibbs Racing, Interstate Batteries and The Home Depot will hold a press conference at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to announce plans for a 2001 holiday promotion with Toys for Tots on Friday, August 3 at 10:30am/ct at Indianapolis Motor Speedway(Gibbs Racing PR)(7-29-2001)UPDATE 2: The Coca-Cola Polar Bears, one of America's best-known holiday icons, will come out of hibernation early for a special appearance on Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart's race cars during the Alabama 500 NASCAR race in Talladega on October 21. Both special paint schemes feature the famous polar bear decked out in racing gear, ready for action. On Labonte's #18 Interstate
Batteries car, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear dons shades and grips the wheel of his race car. For the Home Depot car of Stewart, the
Coca-Cola Polar Bear becomes a part of the #20 pit crew, complete with radio headset and tire changer's air gun. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of licensed merchandise featuring the Coca-Cola Polar Bears will be donated to Toys For Tots, a non-profit organization that distributes toys to needy children during the holiday season. In addition, Home Depot is working with Marine Corps Toys for Tots' units around the Talladega, Phoenix, Rockingham, Homestead and Atlanta race weekends to provide toy donation collection centers at Home Depot's NASCAR display unit set up at the race tracks. Joe Gibbs Racing's shop in Huntersville, N.C. also will accept toy donations for Toys for Tots. Although the Polar Bear cars won't actually hit the track until the Alabama 500 on October 21, racing fans and collectors will be able to participate in the holiday-themed promotion this summer. Action Performance, the industry leader in motorsports-related product licensing and merchandising, has created exclusive Coca-Cola Polar Bear die-cast collectibles, racing apparel, and other unique
merchandise that will be available the beginning of August(Joe Gibbs Racing/Coca Cola/Action PR)(8-3-2001)

#93 and BP UPDATE 2 an image: during a NASCAR.com chat with #93 driver Dave Blaney - Q) any special paint schemes this season? A) Right now, there is a green and yellow BP car in the drawing board. I do not know when or where that will show up(NASCAR.com Chat Transcript)(3-29-2001)UPDATE: hearing the BP scheme will run in the Coca-Cola 600(5-13-2001)UPDATE 2: The #93 Amoco Dodge Intrepid will feature a new paint scheme for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, highlighting the current reimaging of the Amoco and BP gas stations nationwide with a special green-and-yellow design displaying the BP shield on the car's hood. The new look for Dave Blaney and the Amoco Dodge will also be featured in three NASCAR Winston Cup Series races in the fall-the UAW-GM 500 at Charlotte on October 7, the Talladega 500 at Talladega (AL) Superspeedway on October 21 and the Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, N.C. on November 4.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(5-16-2001)

STATS and STUFF

Hamilton - 32 races - no DNF UPDATE: #55-Bobby Hamilton has been running at the end of 32 consecutive races(counting last season since he DNF'd at Phoenix), which is the circuit's longest active streak. No other drivers have made all the races in 2001 and not DNF'd(did not finish). Bill Elliott had his first DNF of 2001 at Kansas, ending a streak of 32 straight races without a DNF(10-15-2001)

Top Fives: There have been 30 different Cup drivers(no new drivers at Martinsville) who have scored a Top-5 so far in 2001....2000's total was 28, 1999's total was 28 and 1998's total number was 27(10-15-2001)

Top Tens: There have been 41 different Cup drivers (no new drivers at Martinsville) who have scored a Top-10 in 2001.....2000's total was 41, 1999's total was 40 and 1998's total number was 41(10-15-2001)

Provisional Finishes in 2001: In 196 provisional starts(28 races x 7 no qualifying at Darlington 3/2001 or Dover 6/2001), drivers have accumulated 2 Wins, 9 Top 5's and 24 Top 10's. #26-Jimmy Spencer was the highest provisional starter/finisher at Martinsville with a 14th. See my Provisional Finishes Page for each race finish by the provisionals starters(10-15-2001)

No Laps Lead by Labonte yet: #5-Terry Labonte remains the only driver to race in all 30 events this season and not lead at least one lap. The last time Labonte led a lap was the Winston 500 last October at Talladega. 47 drivers have now led laps, no new lap leaders at Martinsville. See the Bonus Points/Laps Led page(10-15-2001)

Consecutive Winston Cup Starts: Ricky Rudd is the current leader with with 638 consecutive starts followed by Rusty Wallace at 547, Ken Schrader with 517 and Mark Martin has 431 consecutive Cup starts. Terry Labonte had 655 (and holds the all time record) but sat out the 2000 Brickyard 400 to end his record streak. Dale Earnhardt had 648 consecutive Winston Cup starts until his death at Daytona(10-15-2001)

2000 winners who have not won in 2001: Mark Martin, Jeremy Mayfield, Matt Kenseth and Jerry Nadeau. Terry Labonte, Joe Nemechek and John Andretti earned victories in 1999 and have not won since.(10-15-2000)

Manufacturers: Chevy leads the Manufacturers Championship by 17 points over Ford. See my Manufacturers Points page for more info(10-15-2001)

No Top Fives Since.... It has been a while since some drivers have had a top five finish on the Winston Cup circuit. Here are those with the longest streak of races without a top-five finish:

16th Different Winner in 2001 a record: when #22-Ward Burton won the 2001 Southern 500, he became the 15th different Winston Cup winner in 2001, which breaks the record for NASCAR's modern era (which began in 1972) of 14 set in 2000 and 1991. Winners in 2001: #15-Waltrip, #1-Park, #24-Gordon, #29-Harvick, #88-Jarrett, #21-Sadler, #55-Hamilton, #2-Wallace, #20-Stewart, #99-Burton, #28-Rudd, #18-Labonte, #40-Marlin, #22-Burton, #8-Earnhardt Jr.(9-2-2001)Make it 16 in 2001: #32-Ricky Craven becomes the 16th different winner in the Cup series in 2001, extending the record(10-15-2001)

1st Time winners - ties a record: The four first-time winners in 2001, #15-Michael Waltrip(Daytona), #29-Kevin Harvick(Atlanta), #21-Elliott Sadler(Bristol), #32-Ricky Craven(Martinsville), ties the record that was tied in 2000 when there were four first time winners: Dale Earnhardt Jr(Texas), Matt Kenseth(Lowes), Steve Park(Watkins Glen) and Jerry Nadeau(Atlanta), which previsouly was held in 1988 when the following won for the first time: Ken Schrader(Talladega), Alan Kulwicki(Phoenix), Phil Parsons(Talladega), and Lake Speed(Darlington). Parsons and Speed have not won in Cup since and are out of the series. Kulwicki died in an aircraft accident in 1993. Schrader is still active on the Cup circuit and has four career Cup wins(10-15-2001)

Different Winners in 2000: There were 14 different race winners in 2000, the most in a single season since 1991 when there were 14, which is a record for NASCAR's modern era, which began in 1972.
The drivers who won in 2000: Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Steve Park, Jeremy Mayfield, Ward Burton, Jeff Gordon and Jerry Nadeau. Terry Labonte, Joe Nemechek and John Andretti are the drivers who earned victories in 1999 and did not win in 2000. Two drivers who won in 1998 Bobby Hamilton and Ricky Rudd, have not won since(11-21-2000)

Top 10's in restrictor plates: Only two drivers have finished in the top 10 in the three restrictor plate races run so far in 2001 (Daytona - twice and Talladega): #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr (2nd at Daytona, 8th at Talladega, 1st at Daytona) and #7-Mike Wallace (6th at Daytona, 9th at Talladega, 10th at Daytona in the Pepsi 400). Only one more to go, Talladega in October(7-7-2001)

Interesting UPDATE: In the past four Winston Cup seasons, the top 10 in points after seven races has provided a good indication of which drivers will be in the top 10 at season's end - 33 of 40 drivers in the final top 10s were there seven races into the season: see the chart at : Signs of things to come?UPDATE: and an addition to the story: Others in early season points peril by David Poole(4-6-2001)

A Championship Outlook: Only five times in the modern era(1972-present) has the eventual champion not won in the first six races. The winners in the first 6 eaces this year: Michael Waltrip, Steve Park, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler. When did a driver win the Championship and not win a race in the first six? 1973-Benny Parsons; 1984 and 1996-Terry Labonte; 1985-Darrell Waltrip; and 1999-Dale Jarrett(3-25-2001)

Single Car Winner: Even though the #21 Wood Brothers team uses Roush chassis and engines, they are considered a single car team, and before Elliott Sadler's win at Bristol. The last time a single-car team scored a victory was by Ricky Rudd at Martinsville in September 1998(3-25-2001)

Hendrick Motorsports Double wins: Two drivers from Hendrick Motorsports have won at least one Winston Cup race for seven consecutive seasons. No other current multi-car team has done that.(Gordon 1994-2000, T Labonte 1994-1999 and Nadeau in 2000)(11-22-2000)

43rd Fact: Last driver to win from the 43rd starting spot was Fonty Flock at Raleigh, NC in 1953, the only other driver to do so was Johnny Mantz in the 1950 Southern 500

Backstretch/Provisional/Backup Car Winner: Only two drivers in the history of Bristol had ever won a race after pitting on the backstretch. Davey Allison(started 19th) in the spring 1990 race and Dale Earnhardt(26th) in the 2nd 1999 race, and now #21-Elliott Sadler who came from 38th, pitting on the backstretch and having to use a provisional to make the race in a backup car only the 4th ever Provisional Starter to gain a win in a Cup race(3-25-2001)

Provisional Starting Winners: Jeff Burton was the first driver to win from a provisional starting spot EVER at New Hampshire in 1999 and that is the farthest back any driver has won from since Kyle Petty won from 37th at Dover in June 1995(in 1995 37th was not a provisional starting spot). Bill Elliott also won from 38th spot in the 1988 Pepsi 400. In fact ALL the provisional starters for the race finished in the top 25 at NHIS(7-11-1999)UPDATE: Add Bobby Labonte as the 2nd ever provisional winner by winning the 1999 NAPA 500 at Atlanta(11-21-1999)UPDATE 2: Add Bobby Labonte as the 3rd ever provisional winner by winning the 2000 Southern 500 at Darlington(9-3-2000)UPDATE 3: Add Elliott Sadler as the 4th ever provisional winner by winning the 2001 Food City 500 at Bristol(3-25-2001)UPDATE 4: Add Ward Burton as the 5th ever provisional winner by winning the 2001 Southern 500 at Darlington(9-2-2001)

Amazing Finishes: Races won from a starting position of 35 or worse in the history of
NASCAR

Championship and no poles? ever happen? With Dale Jarrett winning the Cup championship and not scoring any poles in 1999, I was asked, has it ever happened before? Yep, five times, most recently, in 1991 when Dale Earnhardt won the Winston Cup Championship with four wins and NO poles. It also happened in 1983-Bobby Allison; 1980-Earnhardt; 1973-Benny Parsons; and 1950-Bill Rexford(The Stock Car Racing Encyclodepia)(11-14/21-1999)

Stats: Only five times in NASCAR's modern era(1972-present) has the eventual champion not won by the sixth race of the season. Those champions were Benny Parsons in 1973, Terry Labonte in 1984 and 1996, Darrell Waltrip in 1985 and Dale Jarrett in 1999

Did ya know? When Bobby Labonte won the 2000 Winston Cup Championship, he
and his brother Terry, who won it in 1984 and 1996, have become the first brothers to do so in
Winston Cup history. There have been two father-son pairs; Lee and Richard Petty, and Ned and
Dale Jarrett AND Bobby Labonte is the first former BGN champ(since the series began in
1982, not counting the old Sportsman division) to win the Winston Cup championship(11-12-2000)